{"id":11099,"date":"2025-07-27T11:59:04","date_gmt":"2025-07-27T09:59:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/?p=11099"},"modified":"2025-07-27T11:59:04","modified_gmt":"2025-07-27T09:59:04","slug":"empiema","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/medlibrary\/empyema\/","title":{"rendered":"Empyema"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fpm_start\"><\/div>\n<p>Empyema is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of pus in the pleural cavity, caused by infections or other pathological processes. This disease can develop as a result of complications of pneumonia, tuberculosis, chest trauma or cancer. Empyema manifests itself with symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, cough and fever. It is important to understand that this pathology requires early diagnosis and treatment, as delay can lead to serious complications, including sepsis and respiratory failure.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Content<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/medlibrary\/empyema\/#%D0%98%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%B8_%D0%B8%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B5_%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B5_%D1%84%D0%B0%D0%BA%D1%82%D1%8B\" >History of the disease and interesting historical facts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/medlibrary\/empyema\/#%D0%AD%D0%BF%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%B8%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%B8%D1%8F\" >Epidemiology<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/medlibrary\/empyema\/#%D0%93%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%8F_%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B4%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B6%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D1%8C_%D0%BA_%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%BC%D1%83_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8E\" >Genetic predisposition to this disease<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/medlibrary\/empyema\/#%D0%A4%D0%B0%D0%BA%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%8B_%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0_%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B7%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F\" >Risk factors for the development of this disease<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/medlibrary\/empyema\/#%D0%94%D0%B8%D0%B0%D0%B3%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B0_%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F\" >Diagnosis of this disease<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/medlibrary\/empyema\/#%D0%9B%D0%B5%D1%87%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5\" >Treatment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/medlibrary\/empyema\/#%D0%A1%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%BA_%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2_%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%8F%D0%B5%D0%BC%D1%8B%D1%85_%D0%B4%D0%BB%D1%8F_%D0%BB%D0%B5%D1%87%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F\" >List of medications used to treat this disease<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/medlibrary\/empyema\/#%D0%9C%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B3_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F\" >Disease monitoring<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/medlibrary\/empyema\/#%D0%92%D0%BE%D0%B7%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B5_%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F\" >Age-related features of the disease<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/medlibrary\/empyema\/#%D0%92%D0%BE%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%8B_%D0%B8_%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%82%D1%8B\" >Questions and Answers<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%D0%98%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%B8_%D0%B8%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B5_%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B5_%D1%84%D0%B0%D0%BA%D1%82%D1%8B\"><\/span>History of the disease and interesting historical facts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Empyema has been known to the medical community since ancient times. The works of Hippocrates (4th century BC) already described cases of purulent changes in the chest cavity. However, until the 17th century, empyema treatment was based on euthanasia, as surgical interventions were extremely risky. An important milestone in the history of the fight against this disease was the discovery of antiseptics by Joseph Lister in the 19th century, which significantly increased the success of pleural drainage operations. Since then, diagnostic and treatment methods have improved significantly, thanks to developing technologies and a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%D0%AD%D0%BF%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%B8%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%B8%D1%8F\"><\/span>Epidemiology<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>According to the World Health Organization, empyema is a relatively rare disease, but its incidence increases sharply among patients with increased incidence of pneumonia and other respiratory diseases. In particular, statistics show that empyema can be detected in 10-15% patients hospitalized with pneumonia. According to studies, the percentage of cases leading to surgical intervention is about 30%, which emphasizes the importance of early and correct diagnosis.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%D0%93%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%8F_%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B4%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B6%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D1%8C_%D0%BA_%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%BC%D1%83_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8E\"><\/span>Genetic predisposition to this disease<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It is generally accepted that empyema itself does not have a clear genetic predisposition, but a number of genetic factors may influence susceptibility to infectious diseases that can lead to empyema. Certain polymorphisms in genes that play a role in the immune response, such as IL-6 and TNF-\u03b1, have been investigated for their association with the development of empyema. In particular, increased activity of the inflammatory response may predispose to severe forms of pneumonia and, accordingly, to the subsequent development of empyema.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%D0%A4%D0%B0%D0%BA%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%8B_%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0_%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B7%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F\"><\/span>Risk factors for the development of this disease<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There are several risk factors that contribute to the development of empyema, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Infectious lung diseases (pneumonia, tuberculosis)<\/li>\n<li>Immunodeficiency states (including HIV infection)<\/li>\n<li>Chest surgeries and injuries leading to complications<\/li>\n<li>Alcoholism and smoking affecting lung function<\/li>\n<li>Chronic diseases (eg diabetes, liver disease)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Studying these factors allows us to take a more careful approach to preventive measures and reduce the risk of developing empyema.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%D0%94%D0%B8%D0%B0%D0%B3%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B0_%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F\"><\/span>Diagnosis of this disease<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Diagnosis of empyema includes many methods that help the doctor establish an accurate diagnosis and assess the severity of the patient&#039;s condition. The main symptoms are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Dyspnea<\/li>\n<li>Chest pain<\/li>\n<li>Temperature and fever<\/li>\n<li>Cough with purulent sputum<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Laboratory tests may include a complete blood count, which will show signs of inflammation (increased white blood cells, C-reactive protein). Radiological tests, such as X-rays and CT scans, can visualize the presence of fluid in the pleural cavity. Other diagnostic tests may include thoracentesis to obtain a fluid sample for microbiological analysis. Differential diagnosis is necessary to exclude other diseases, such as pleurisy or lung abscess.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%D0%9B%D0%B5%D1%87%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5\"><\/span>Treatment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Treatment of empyema includes conservative and surgical methods. In general:<\/p><script data-noptimize=\"\" data-wpfc-render=\"false\">\nfpm_start( \"true\" );\n<\/script>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Pharmacological treatment includes antibiotics aimed at destroying pathogenic microflora (for example, penicillins, cephalosporins).<\/li>\n<li>Surgery may be needed to drain the pleural cavity and remove pus.<\/li>\n<li>Other treatments may include supportive care such as oxygen therapy and fluid and electrolyte balance adjustments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There are many different antibiotic regimens available, and the choice of antibiotic depends on the suspected pathogen.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%D0%A1%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%BA_%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2_%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%8F%D0%B5%D0%BC%D1%8B%D1%85_%D0%B4%D0%BB%D1%8F_%D0%BB%D0%B5%D1%87%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F\"><\/span>List of medications used to treat this disease<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Among the medications used to treat empyema are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Amoxicillin\/clavulanic acid<\/li>\n<li>Ceftriaxone<\/li>\n<li>Meropenem<\/li>\n<li>Clarithromycin<\/li>\n<li>Gentamicin<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The choice of a specific drug is based on the identification of the pathogen and its sensitivity.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%D0%9C%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B3_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F\"><\/span>Disease monitoring<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Monitoring of the patient&#039;s condition occurs at various stages of treatment. Control should include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Regular clinical examinations and laboratory tests<\/li>\n<li>X-ray studies to assess the dynamics of the lung condition<\/li>\n<li>Monitoring for possible complications, including sepsis and pleurisy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The prognosis depends on the timeliness of seeking medical help and the adequacy of treatment measures.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%D0%92%D0%BE%D0%B7%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B5_%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F\"><\/span>Age-related features of the disease<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Empyema can present differently depending on the age of the patient. Children tend to have severe forms of pneumonia, while older people may have milder symptoms but are at high risk of complications due to underlying medical conditions.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%D0%92%D0%BE%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%8B_%D0%B8_%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%82%D1%8B\"><\/span>Questions and Answers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>What causes empyema?<\/strong> Empyema usually develops as a complication of infectious diseases such as pneumonia or tuberculosis.<\/li>\n<li><strong>How is empyema diagnosed?<\/strong> Diagnosis includes clinical examination, laboratory tests, radiography and thoracentesis.<\/li>\n<li><strong>What is the treatment for empyema?<\/strong> Treatment may include antibiotics, chest drainage, and surgery if necessary.<\/li>\n<li><strong>What are the possible complications of empyema?<\/strong> Complications may include sepsis, pleurisy, and respiratory failure.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Who is at risk for developing empyema?<\/strong> Those most at risk include those with weakened immune systems, chronic lung disease, and those who have suffered chest trauma.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Dr. Oleg Korzhikov recommends paying special attention to the early symptoms of the disease. Timely medical attention can prevent the development of serious complications. He also emphasizes the importance of maintaining good health to minimize the risk of infectious diseases leading to empyema. Always monitor the condition of your lungs, especially if you have chronic diseases or a predisposition to lung infections.<\/p>\n<div class=\"fpm_end\"><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Empyema is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of pus in the pleural cavity, which is caused by infections or other pathological processes. This disease<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[298],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11099","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-medlibrary"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11099","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11099"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11099\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16116,"href":"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11099\/revisions\/16116"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11099"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11099"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11099"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}